Julia's House for Lost Creatures
One day, Julia's house arrives at the seashore. She settles in nicely, and has some tea and toast. Shortly after, she gets a bit lonely, and sets to work making a sign welcoming in lost creatures.
The creatures quickly arrive, one by one. She finds herself hosting trolls, a mermaid, folletti, a ghost, a dragon, a patchwork cat, misfit creatures of all kinds with no home of their own.
It doesn't take long for them to overrun the place, and start to wear out their welcome. Messes are made, damage is done to the house, toast crumbs are everywhere. Then the troll finds the record player and turns up the party. Julia retreats to her workshop, comes up with a chore chart, and puts everyone to work - neatly solving the problem.
This is an original story with really imaginative characters. Julia demonstrates leadership, compassion, and creativity in relationship building. She is an inclusive caretaker, but she also doesn't fall into the trap of becoming everyone's maid. She gently corrects unacceptable behavior, while still making all her guest feel included and wanted. Hear that girls, you don't have to clean up everyone's messes! I hope the talented Ben Hatke develops more adventures for Julia and her enchanting moving house.
Also, this illustration of the gentle troll with his record player captured my heart. We are on our second library checkout of this book, and still enjoying it!
